BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

March 19 2018

Duncan Lake entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 30 miles. Access is from W. Bearskin Lake with a 75-rod portage to Duncan Lake and Stairway Portage. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Ep ducan lk

Left Hayward Wis. at 515am wit my son daughter in-law and her 13yoa brother. 3 miles later had to go back as they forgot to pack their sleeping pads. Left house again at 530am am a quick stop I superior of breakfast then onto Tofte ranger station for permit pick up.

Arrived at the landing bearskin lake around 945am one parking spot left in the small parking lot. On the water about 1030am Short paddle to first portage Lots of day trippers with no portage etiquette even though the landings was filling up they barged right through. It seemed that they felt because all they had was a canoe and light pack they had the right away and could not weight.

Across Duncan to stair way portage 13 day trippers canoes spread out at the portage landing. As I was carrying full 60lb pack two day trippers with only water bottles waited till I stepped off the trail so they could continue on their way.

We camped on Rose fished, canoes and swam for 3 days weather was hot with lots of bugs. I few thunder storms came through the area but all we received was some sprinkles.

On the way out more day trippers with out etiquette the stair way portage is always painful even more so when it is very hot, buggy and with lots of day trippers that don't care if you have a canoe or pack on.

Over all a fair trip but not one to take if you want to get away from it all.

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